Algeria has summoned France's ambassador in Algiers to protest against the "degrading treatment" of Algerian passengers at Paris airports, deepening a diplomatic rift between the two nations.
The move follows what Algeria called "consistent testimonies" about discriminatory practices by border police at Charles de Gaulle and Orly airports.
The Algerian Foreign Ministry expressed "deep concern" over reports from travellers alleging "provocative, degrading and discriminatory" treatment by French authorities.
Secretary of State for the National Community Abroad Sofiane Chaib summoned French Ambassador Stéphane Romatet on Tuesday to lodge a "firm protest by the Algerian government against such totally unacceptable acts", according to an official statement.
Chaib demanded France take all necessary measures to end "unacceptable practices that dishonour the French government".
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Border delays
State newspaper El Moudjahid reported that Algerian travellers faced extensive delays at Paris airports on Monday.
The paper claimed border authorities "intentionally closed all visa windows upon the arrival of Algerian passengers, leaving only one open for them", forcing passengers to wait "longer than the duration of their flight" to have their passports stamped.
The newspaper accused French Interior Minister Bruno Retailleau of orchestrating "a policy of humiliation directly targeting Algerians".
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Historical tensions
Relations between the two nations, shaped by 132 years of French colonisation and a war of independence that ended in 1962, have deteriorated further since France announced support for Morocco's autonomy plan for Western Sahara in July.
The territory's status remains undefined at the UN after five decades of conflict between Morocco and the Polisario Front independence movement, which Algeria backs.
The diplomatic rift widened after Franco-Algerian author Boualem Sansal was detained in Algeria in November, followed by French authorities arresting several Algerian social media personalities this month for allegedly promoting violence.
Algeria has urged France to ensure its citizens are treated with "respect and dignity" when travelling.
France has yet to respond publicly to the accusations.
